Key facts
- UK transport minister Keir Mather stated the UK is not facing a diesel shortage.
- Concerns arose after Donald Trump threatened to cut off US diesel supplies.
- The UK is in talks with European countries about releasing emergency diesel stockpiles.
- The UK relies on the US for approximately 30% of its diesel, with the majority coming from mainland Europe.
- The UK has 42 days of reserve diesel supplies.
- The average diesel price in the UK hit a record high of 199.72p per litre.
- The government has extended the 5p fuel duty cut until year-end.
The UK government has sought to quell public anxiety over potential diesel shortages, asserting that supply chains remain resilient despite threats from Donald Trump to halt US exports of the fuel. Transport minister Keir Mather stated on Friday that the UK sources diesel from various locations and is collaborating with European partners to potentially access emergency reserves.
Mather emphasized the robustness of the UK's diesel supply, noting that while the country relies on the US for about 30% of its diesel, the majority originates from mainland Europe. He assured the public that there is no need for concern about availability at the pump, highlighting the 42 days of reserve supplies the nation holds.
These reassurances come as the UK's largest refinery, Fawley, is slated for a planned 10-week maintenance shutdown. Simultaneously, the UK has initiated discussions with European allies regarding the release of emergency diesel stocks, a move prompted by similar discussions between the Trump administration and Germany and France.
The average price for a litre of diesel in the UK reached an unprecedented 199.72p on Wednesday. In response to high fuel costs, the government has maintained a 5p cut in fuel duty until the end of the year, with further decisions expected at the upcoming budget.
Echoing the sentiment of international cooperation, EU energy commissioner Dan Jørgensen confirmed that Europe is discussing the potential release of emergency diesel reserves with International Energy Agency members, indicating it is a viable option that has been utilized previously.